The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of society and everyday life. Physical isolation requirements, fears of illness, travel restrictions and changes in medical practices have impacted nearly every Canadian in some form or other. Pregnancy is already a time of great change, uncertainty, and even fear for many women. The combined uncertainty of a global pandemic and the changes that occur with pregnancy are likely to impact the experiences of pregnant women.

The purpose of this project is to investigate how a public health crisis may affect the pregnancy decisions and experiences of Canadian women, and whether the delivery of pregnancy care has been impacted or changed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This thesis will survey women from across the country about their experiences during pregnancy with prenatal care and social support, as well as their birth experiences and perceptions of new motherhood. This thesis will aim to identify prenatal, labour and delivery experiences described by Canadian women, and quality of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.